7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,290
Average Mileage:
43,450 miles
Total Complaints:
110 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (42 reports)
  2. replace compressor (37 reports)
  3. replace condenser (14 reports)
  4. A/C evac, recharge, replace line (7 reports)
  5. replace evaporator core (3 reports)
  6. will need to spend over $1800 to fix problem (3 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #90

Oct 012019

Civic LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,683 miles

The air conditioner has not worked well for several months, but it didn't get really bad until after the car was out of warranty. I received a letter from Honda, Campaign #6C3/Service Bulletin #19-091, saying that the AC Condenser was defective and the warranty would be extended to 10 years on the condenser. I took the letter with my car to my local Honda deal in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA and they said the problem was not the condenser but the compressor. And not only would it not be covered under the warranty, but they wanted to charge me $1400 to fix it. I declined.

I find it rather convenient that my air conditioner isn't working and Honda knows the condenser is defective, but when I take it into the dealer, they tell me it's the compressor and not the condenser. C'mon Honda! The AC is defective and repairs on any component of the AC leaking should be covered under warranty.

- Lori Y., Mission, US

problem #89

Mar 122020

Civic Touring 1.5L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,360 miles

This car has been nothing but a pain in my rear. I thought I was doing something good by buying a Honda. I bought it used with only 21k miles. After I drove it off the lot, the a/c stopped working. I went back to the dealership who told me the a/c was "overcharged" and they just had to let some Freon out. It worked great a while. Then two weeks later, my dashboard starting lighting up like a Christmas tree...

This was a whole different issue but when I took it in for this issue (which was still covered under warranty), I told them to check the a/c because it wasn't blowing as cold anymore and one of the codes being shown when they ran the check engine light was an a/c code. I was told "the connector on the HVAC control unit has to be softest." 28,000 miles, it started lighting up light a Christmas tree again on the dashboard. I went back to the dealership, at this point mad as a wet hen, and there was a recall on the car that been "fixed" 3 previous times. While there, I asked for all paperwork from any time this vehicle had EVER been in the shop since I bought it used. Below is paperwork from previous owner....

10,130 miles - Customer complained A/C not working. Checked AC and it was very low on Freon. Recharged AC and installed tracer dye and found AC evaporator leaking. Replaced Evaporator, evacuated, and recharged.

15,586 miles - Customer complained AC not working and floor wet on passenger side. Found lower evaporator screws backed out and caused condensation to leak out. Secured evaporator case. No other leaks found at this time. Installed new AC suction hose and recharged AC.

Now, I'm no expert but the fact my ac has been charged 4 separate times probably means there is a major issue.....

I got in my car yesterday and went to turn on my AC and lo and behold... it DOESN'T WORK!! I called Honda dealership who told me that I would have to pay $265 just to diagnose the problem. I do have an extended warranty but apparently there is a lot of gray area that will determine whether they fix it or not. I called the 1-800 number for Honda who denies there is an issue even though there are tons of complaints on here for the same crap... This is so frustrating.

- Angel C., Huntsville, US

problem #88

Mar 012019

Civic EX 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Bought this car in January and by summer the A/C did not work. Had system dye tested and dealer found no leaks. Filled with Freon and it worked for the summer but went out again the following summer.

- Scott B., Rock Hill, SC, US

problem #87

Mar 312020

Civic EX-T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

This has been an ongoing problem with the AC system as I am not able to fix it out of pocket. I got the car with 17 miles on it...in less than 4 years I've had to purchase a new battery and now the AC system needs a new compressor and condenser which makes no sense for a new car. Honda will not cover the repair costs when they knowingly are aware of this issue of the compressor randomly starting to leak in many of this model's cars...like seriously just do a recall and allow customers to get it fixed and everyone is happy...this is horrible customer service!!!

- Robin J., Randallstown, MD, US

problem #86

Oct 072020

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,754 miles

My 2016 Honda Civic coupe began exhibiting problems of not cooling while idle or stationary well before the actual diagnosis. It began at approximately 50k or sooner, but the issue went from occasional to problematic over time and now is a consistent issue. The fact that the dealership knows about the extended warranty on the a/c condenser defects and that the factory warranty was extended for 10 years on that issue, yet never acknowledged this issue even exists is infuriating. The dealership diagnosed the issue on my car in October of 2020 at only 60,754 miles and has refused to cover under any type of warranty is flat out unethical. At the time the mechanical diagnosis and quote were given, Honda knew about the extended warranty and extensive issues with the a/c unit with this particular make/model of Honda. I did not, and it was never revealed to me by Honda at any point.

The warranty will not cover the replacement of the clutch assembly, which is what the dealership says the problem stems from, or the entire compressor. I was told I have to replace the entire a/c compressor at the exorbitant price of $1,563! Of course the quoted a price for repairs would not be covered under the 10 year extended warranty, which was a result of a class action lawsuit filed regarding the same issues I am having with my vehicle. This issue should be covered under the factory warranty or extended warranty of 10 years to repair the a/c issues with the 2016 -2018 Honda Civics. Please let me know if anyone knows of or has had any success in getting these repairs covered. I would be very interested in pursuit of any legal actions that have been taken and participating in these actions if possible.

- Jennifer B., Semmes, US

problem #85

Jan 012020

Civic LX 2.0L V4

  • Manual transmission
  • 43,496 miles

Very frustrating. I didn't test it when I bought it, and I regret it.

- Sean R., Welland, ON, Canada

problem #84

May 282020

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,805 miles

In August 2016 I leased my Honda Civic. By March 2018 I started noticing my AC was blowing warm air. I did not want to return to my Honda dealership because of a problem with a previous service visit.

I went to a Sears dealership. I was informed that my AC unit Freon could not be recharged and that I needed to go back to my dealership. I Tried another auto repair service and again I was told the Freon was so expensive I would be better going back to the Honda dealership. Due to my hectic schedule and again my previous experience with this service department, it took me another 9 months to get into a different Honda dealership.

During that time I paid off my Honda, not because I like the car but I wanted nothing more to do with their dealership.

When I finally got to the different dealership in May 2020, I was then informed that my compressor was cracked and I must have had an accident to cause damage. My car has never been in an accident.

When I read this I sound like a cranky complainer. I am anything but. This is why it has taken me so long to get into these dealerships. It seems like every time I asked for something to be done the first answer is to blame me for something.

I do not know a lot about cars so I depend on service departments to treat me fairly and responsibly. I feel like I'm from the first service in my car. The attempt is to find fault with me and try and get more money.

My car is 4 years old and I have been driving in Miami hot heat for over 2 years. One of the reasons you get a new car is so you do not have to worry about disrupting your schedule to go in and out of service departments.

I am on vacation this week and I am going to spend it going into the Honda dealership and trying to get a realistic explanation. I find it sad that I have to waste my time and my mind because of faulty construction.

- Mia S., Miami, FL, US

problem #83

Jun 152020

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Honda is aware of faulty AC systems. The condenser was covered under warranty, but no coverage for compressor.

- Isha S., San Diego, CA, US

problem #82

Jul 012019

Civic Touring 2.0 I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

I bought this Honda in December of 2018 due to my Buick Verano being totaled by the hail storms in Greeley CO.(June/July 2018) and as it turns I have never regretted anything more, since I have had nothing but trouble with it from about 6 months after purchase (it had 21,000 miles) the first issue was the A/C along with repeated burning out of brake lights on one side or the other. I took it into Pikes shop in Windsor CO. as instructed by Auto Source (Dealer).

The second issue involved a fix for a recall on the A/C which was denied to me at Honda here in Greeley as they diagnosed it with a crack in the A/C line and so not part of recall so $800.00 out of pocket if fixed, I did not have the cash for that fix so it did not happen at that time. I then had 2 more opportunities to bring it into Pikes, for again brake lights and loud booming sounds within the car at intervals - it was repaired with yet another bulb and a software update.

Now I have all warning icons and alerts flashing on and off non-stop alerting myself that all systems are malfunctioning and I am in the car in motion, so off to the shop again I brought it to Advanced Auto Pros(the shop that I had frequented for oil changes. I was charged for yet another diagnostics test only to have that mechanic tell me that It requires the Honda dealers attention. So off to the Honda shop again and with this visit (03/10/21) They have discovered that it needs a new battery and a replacement for the A/C Condenser (guessing it was not a crack in the A/C line as earlier stated).

Long story short, the same auto has to go right back into Honda Dealership tomorrow at noon for the repair 2 weeks ago that is again malfunctioning with flashing system alerts on dash once "AGAIN" I'm seriously considering legal consult to get this car returned through lemon and off my back. Nothing is ever covered under my extended warranty and so all OOP and it is in and out of shop more than I can depend on having it for my use. This car is also choosing not to start at times and not unlocking at times with key or the fob.

- Mary B., greeley, colorado, United States

problem #81

May 222020

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,800 miles

I am not pleased with Honda. I purchased my Honda civic 4 1/2 years ago. The a/c is not working. I took it to Vandergriff Honda in Arlington, Texas and they advised that it was the ac lines $ 1100. I created a case #11336331 and was told that they would pay for most of it as long as I pay $325. Well from all the horror stories about the a/c system, I honestly believe Honda is hiding something!!!! I then took it back to the dealership I purchased the lemon from in Rockwall, Texas. They diagnosed it has being the compressor, total cost $1800. Jason the service guy said he would submit the invoice to the Honda Assistant program!! As a result they refuse to help!!! Now I find it mighty odd that the answer is no right after the dealership try to pressure me into getting a new car!!!!! Lucy the case manager just read from a script and told me that there was no one above her!!!! Everybody reports to someone!!!! Unbelievable!!! My first and last Honda!!! Honda is saying " We knew about the a/c issues from factory, but who cares. Let the customer run out of warranty and we will give them the run around and make them pay for the problem!!! We will make more in the end!!! Who cares if they live in Texas when it is 100 degrees for 3 months with no rain!!! Who cares if the customer is not working due to the freakin COVID and can't afford it!!! Who cares if the customer has asthma and if she gets to dag on hot and it will trigger an attack!!!!! Who cares if the customer has a minor child!!! Honda says not our problem!!!! Just keep ripping the customer off!!!!!! Oh and since the freakin dealerships diagnosed two different problems, tell me who would you trust!!!!!! Don't say Honda!!!! I guess because I am a woman they decide to tell me anything!!!!!! And I'm told that there is no one else to make a final decision outside a I'm it Ms. Lucy!!! I messaged Honda on Facebook and Instagram and they replied that they are unable to further assist me with my concern!!!

There are way too many horror stories on the Internet!!! You cannot tell me that everybody is making this stories up!!!!!!

Yours truly,

Lakesia Paris!!!!!

- pariskesia, Forest Hill, US

problem #80

Jun 112020

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

A/C stopped working at 39,000 miles. Dealership wants $400 just to diagnose. This is a known issue TSB 19-091. I'm never buying a honda again.

- Leslie G., Hopkins, MN, US

problem #79

May 012020

Civic EXL 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 54,000 miles

A/C stopped working again after less than a year. I took it to a dealer, and they said the compressor went bad, and will need to be replaced. Having learned about the A/C issues with this model, and about the condenser recall last year (after I had already had mine replaced), this time I called American Honda for goodwill assistance. This model has A/C issues. A four year old car shouldn't need the A/C fixed every year.

- Aaron B., Oswego, NY, US

problem #78

Jun 202019

Civic EXL 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 44,000 miles

A/C stopped working just before summertime. I went to the dealer, and they told me they needed to replace the condenser.

- Aaron B., Oswego, NY, US

problem #77

Apr 082020

Civic LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Went to turn on the AC on a hot day going to work and the vents blew warm air and when it was cold the windows fogged up .... Soo On warm days going to work with no AC I sweated!! And then on Cold days had to drive with the window down so the windows can clear!! And I WAS FREEZING ! Can't win ! After awhile we figured out the AC was not working and brought to the Honda dealer.. Now I bought this car pre owned with 40,000 mile so Honda service checked it out and the AC Compressor is leaked no more Freon..

Honda Service wants $1600.00 to replace the Compressor... There is no extended warranty on the car.. BUT why would I have to pay warranty for a Manufacturer DEFECT!!! Honda gave extended warranty for the Condenser! Why not the Compressor??? .. Anyway THIS SUCKS!!!! I called Honda Corporate and they could not help me, I googled my cars issue and BAMMM Massive amounts of Condenser and Compressor Leakage on the same vehicle and years...

This is my First Honda! ... I WANT MY AC UNIT FIXED!! I should not have to pay for a DEFECT!!! Summer is approaching and this is going to SUCK!

We are right in the Middle of COVID19 IN NJ and I have not worked since March 15th. There is no way I can afford a fix like that. Again this sucks! I called another shop and I know they are good they will charge me $1300.00.. I cannot do it Wells Fargo Mortgage has a hit man after me already since my business is very slow...

I can play the waiting game and sweat the F out of me during the summer until Honda gives in or try to pay it and never get reimbursed if Honda decides to warranty it...

Then maybe I will learn as much as I can about the cars AC unit and replace the Compressor myself and then bring it to a shop to have it recharged ... Compressor cost about $450.00 and the recharge maybe $275.00 ?? I'm guessing.. Total price $725.00?? Which is doable Does anyone have suggestions I would love to hear from you ... Thank YOU!

- hugo714, Brick, US

problem #76

May 012020

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,311 miles

I bought in this certified used honda 2016 civic in Feb 2020 in Canada BC and it was winter so there's no way I can test it as a non-technical guy sitting in the car. The saler said they had tested everything so I could only trust them. But when May comes and it gets hotter, it's only less than 3 months and less than 2KM, I found the AC is actually not working! I talked to the dealer but they said it's not under warranty since it's just a used car and they told me to come for a service to find out what's wrong without taking the responsibilty.

- Kent L., Richmond, BC, Canada

problem #75

Apr 172020

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,300 miles

I bought the car brand new in 2016 and never even ran the AC dial over half since (generally it's at the 1 or 2 notch). Noticed it was getting weaker around 6 months ago but didnt think anything of it as it was winter at the time. Now summer is coming and the AC was litterally throwing hot air. Took it to the dealer to check the condenser assuming it was the issue as it was everywhere online that they extended the condenser warranty... was told after there inspection it was the compressor and would cost $1,167.

Any online search shows the compressor is just as common of an issue as the condenser. Why Honda has not issued a recall or even advise its dealers to fix it as a gratitude is beyond me. My vehicle was out of warranty for 5 months and only 26,300 miles. I've had cars with ACs over 10 years / 100k miles without even needing a freon recharge (non Hondas of course, as this is my 1st Honda Civic).

I dont care what garbage 1 year / 4,000 mile warranty they put on this replaced compressor, if it breaks again within the next decade I'll throw the kitchen sink at the dealer. I use to think Civics were reliable but clearly not the AC. ABSOLUTE TRASH AND CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!

- sglez515, Miami, US

problem #74

Apr 102020

Civic EX-L 1.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Pretty straight forward. Turned on the A/C with temperature control on lowest temperature setting to get maximum cooling, but car only produces warm air.

- P W., Gig Harbor, US

problem #73

Jan 172020

Civic EX 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 53,000 miles

AC is not working, compressor clutch not engaged, possibly leaking freon, the low side refrigerant line connecting to the compressor has sign of crack and leak on the rubber hose.

- Kevin W., Foothill Ranch, CA, US

problem #72

Aug 122020

Civic EXL Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

My AC malfunctioned at 24,000 miles and just after the standard warranty expired. Driver side blew hot air no matter how low the thermometer was dialed down, although passenger side still worked to some extent. Dealership said this was due to bad compressor, clutch and coil and replaced the whole set. The total cost for repair came out to be slightly more than 2000 dollars.

This is a fairly new car, lightly driven, parked in garage most of the time, and always maintained on-schedule at Honda dealerships. I am not not major user of the AC either. The air condition system has really shoddy quality.

- hondauser, San Jose, US

problem #71

Nov 042019

Civic ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,456 miles

My air conditioning system has a malfunction and stopped working while it is in operation. All it does is blow hot air. I was informed, that Honda defectively designed and/or manufactured each vehicle’s air conditioning condenser unit (w/compressor), and thus the Civics' air conditioning systems fail to operate as intended. These models have defective air conditioning systems that cause the condenser to crack and leak refrigerant. Not only does this stop cold air from flowing, but a refrigerant leak in a vehicle’s AC system can damage other expensive components within the system. The defect directly affects my use, enjoyment, safety, and value of this 2016 Honda Civic. The lack of a functioning air conditioning system can cause health dangers that expose me and occupants to an increased risk of injury or death. The 2016 Honda Civic, poses immediate danger, and risking the health and safety for me and other riders. This is a very serious issue, which I think Honda Corporation should not turn a "blind-eye" of this matter.

- jaysone, Elk Grove, US

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